Letter Signed

Regarding Staff for Cadet School & Indian Commissioners for North Carolina Land Dispute

Discusses the appointment of teachers and engineering instructors for the planned artillery & engineer cadet school; observes that no native Americans have adequate engineering training, but that Mr. Foncin, currently overseeing the construction of Fort McHenry at Baltimore, might do well in the position. Also recommends that a mathematician be appointed as superintendent. Notes that applications have been made for commissioners to "the Southern Indians" in a recent sale of land by North Carolina (which was appropriated for in the last session of Congress). Recommends two individuals for this purpose. A postscript mentions the enclosure of a communication from an Indian chief, Bloody Fellow.

1800

08

04

War Department

Cited in Adams to Dexter, 08/13/1800.

Cited document sent from the War Office

John Adams

Samuel Dexter

General Pinckney

teachers

Mr. Foncin

American mathematician

engineers

Mr. Pusy

Mr. Barron

commissioner

Southern Indians

Colonel David Vance

Comptroller of the Treasury

Dickinson

Henderson

Steele

Sevier

Governor of Tennessee

Captain Edward Butler

Bloody Fellow

Indian Chief

War Department

Baltimore

France

North Carolina

Tennessee

school for Engineers

fortification

appointment

treaty

lands

appropriation

instructions

1800080400001

1

Aug 4th rec 12thSec of War[undecipherable] 13 Aug
I177War Department, 4th August, 1800.
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 24th ult.o
I have inquired of General Pinckney and a variety of other military Gentlemen for an American capable of superintedning a school for Engineers; but do not for much prospect of success. Our Countrymen have had no regular education of this sort, and but little experience. You mention appointing Teachers only for the present - perhaps M.r Foncin, now superintending the fortifications at Baltimore might be appointed one of three in that case. Being educated an Engineer in the best school on France, he might aid very much in that Department, and an American Mathematician might be appointed to superintend the School as the Principal Teacher. I mention M.r Foncin because probably he might accept of
this subordinate appointment, but M.r Pusy would not. Perhaps the objection to appointing Foreigners might not be so forcible in your mind against this plan as the one before proposed.
M.r Barron, I am told isa very good mathematician. Application has been made for the appointment of a Commission or Commissioners to hold a Treaty with the Southern Indians for some land lately sold by North Carolina. An Appropriation was made for it, if I mistake not, at the last Session of Congress. Col.l David Vance has been recommended by the Comptroller of the Treasury, and Mess.rs Dickson, Henderson, Hill and Grove, Representatives from North Carolina. M.r Steele also mentions M.r Levier, Governor of Tennessee, as a fit man. They are both named as careful in point of insluence as well as information and as well disposed toward the Government. Shall I be honored with your Instructions on the subject?
I have the Honor to beSirWith perfect respect & esteem,Your obed.t & faithful Serv.tSam.l Dexter

The President of the Unied States.
177a
P.S. Since writing the above I have been referred to a Letter from Capt.n Edward Butler, received at the War Office on the 7th of June, covering a statement of Information given him relative to Govenor Levin by Bloody Fellow, an Indian Chief. I enclose a Copy thereof for your information.